The castle, which stands on what is a rocky peninsula, is a particularly well preserved example of an Irish Tower house and has been described as "the finest fortified dwelling upon any part of the shores of Lough Corrib".
The name Aughnanure comes from the Gaelic Achadh na nIubhar - the field of yews, of which one old specimen remains nearby. Situated on the banks of the Drimneed River, which flows into the western side of Lough Corrib, 3km from Oughterard, the site was well chosen, as the river flows gently beneath the low cliff on which the castle was built, allowing boats bringing supplies to come right up to the gate of the fortification.
Bats of Aughnanure
Three species of bat use Aughnanure castle as roost. Most are Daubenton's bats but a few Long-Eared and Pipistrelles bats are also present. The castle is used as a maternity roost, where the female bat gives birth to a single offspring in early summer. Sometimes baby bats crawl out of the crevices and are found on the castle floor, but in general they are never seen during the day and can only be heard through the castle walls. Bats are and endangered species and are protected by Irish and EU legislation.
Admission Charges and Opening Hours
Open from late spring to early autumn. Open 09:30 - 18:00.
Car/coach car park nearby. Toilet facilities on site. Wheelchair
access limited.
Cache is accessible 24 x 7
Adult: EUR 5.00
Group & Senior Citizen: EUR 4.00
Child/Student: EUR 3.00
Family Rate: EUR 13.00
